Chemical Waste
Chemical waste includes nonradioactive chemical solids, liquids, or other waste types contaminated with hazardous chemicals. NIH’s chemical waste management program emphasizes reduction of chemical waste generation through process improvements wherever possible, and proper management of chemical waste streams that are generated. For guidance on the proper management of chemical wastes; see NIH Waste Disposal Guide procedures and additional Chemical Waste Management Procedures. There are special management procedures for a category of chemical waste called Universal Waste. See Universal Waste Management.
Various offices interact in the management of NIH's chemical waste program. The Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) identify potentially hazardous situations in work areas and recommend appropriate control measures. DOHS also review safety protocols for work involving certain hazardous chemicals to ensure that the proposed activities are conducted by trained personnel using the proper safety equipment. The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) provides services related to the treatment and disposal of chemical waste. The NIH Occupational Medical Service offers a comprehensive occupational medical care program to NIH employees, including providing emergency medical treatment in the event of an acute chemical exposure and providing periodic medical surveillance.
If you would like more information about this program, please contact
Charlyn Lee.
NIH has undergone several successful chemical waste reduction efforts which include:
Voluntary retro filling or replacement of all high voltage transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Conducting an ongoing program to minimize generation of mixed wastes (radioactive chemical wastes) from research laboratories. As a result, generation of mixed wastes by NIH has been reduced by over 99% relative to the mid 1990s.
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